Cold or flu we have the remedy for you!

Is it really winter already? I'm already getting clients in with colds, flus, coughs and sniffles so it must be! In the tropics winter means dry days and clear blue skies. The nights and mornings are a bit nippy but stick your thongs on and a long sleeve t-shirt and you get by. But we still like a good whinge about the cold!

I want to walk you through a couple of my favourite Homeopathic remedies as well as some general advice. Stuff we know but forget or choose to ignore (I'm totally guilty).

As far as Homeopathics are concerned I'm going to stick to the ones that are found in many kits. These are the ones you can use for home prescribing and can use without having a degree in Homeopathy. If you don't have a kit, go and get yourself one! I make kits up fresh and include a consult in the price to get you ready to rock and roll! So give me a ring or email me! I cannot stress enough how useful a Homeopathic kit has been to my family! We've used it for stings and bites, coughs and colds and even on route to the hospital for x-rays and deep cuts.

On with the remedies! These are in alphabetical order. I don't play favourites!These remedies are traditionally used in Homeopathy to support the immune system and relieve the symptoms listed. If your symptoms continue please see your chosen health care provider for more support.

Aconite: Sudden onset of a cold. There will be a fever that is usually worse around midnight. The fever will be hot and dry. Possibly an earache with it. They will be very restless. You may of noticed a cold, dry wind in the day as Aconite is worse for that.Arsenicum Album: This one is often used for colds and flus. If you are starting a cold with some serious sneezing and clear runny nose have a look at Ars. Alb. You will probably feel like your throat is burning too. In fact this is a key word for Ars. Alb.- burning'. This is another restless remedy and they will want regular sips of water rather than guzzling it. They will feel utterly exhausted.Euphrasia: Think of this remedy for your bog standard cold. Nose is running profusely and the eyes are red and streaming, Simple!Gelsemium: For a very standard flu that has the aches and pains, fever with chills and a decided DULL, DROWSY and DROOPY (I've seen lots of D words substituted but the meaning is the same). You can add DIZZY as well to the list of D words as there may be dizziness.

​If you can't get some relief with these remedies get yourself to the local Homeopath for a consult to get a more specific remedy. An acute consult doesn't take very long (mine are just $60) and they may do it over the phone (I know I do).

On to some general tips!Rest. Ok so that's a no brainer so why do we not rest? Cancel your plans, ring in sick (because you are) and respect your body. Nobody at work wants your cold or flu. Organise lifts for the kids, buy a take away for dinner and delegate, delegate, delegate...do whatever it takes to ensure you can stay in bed and REST. I can't stress that enough.

The Homeopathics may help alleviate your symptoms but your body still needs time to recover. It may not need as long but you still need to have some respect for the healing process.

So you're tucked up in bed, someone is else if dealing with the day to day business of life and you're wondering why are you sick....Great question with lots of answers!​Obviously your immune system didn't fight this one off and it may be because you are run down.

Finding work stressful? Not eating well? Not sleeping enough?

Stress- Find a way to relax regularly. Can you find time to go on a long walk or do some Yoga? What about sitting for 30min listening to your favourite tunes? Find something to unwind to regularly. Lower your stress levels and raise your immunity!​Poor nutrition- This is easier to address. Eat regularly. Switch the chocolate bar for some high nutrient/low sugar snacks like nuts or fruit. Ensure you have a good breakfast! Oats are great for a cold winters morning so get stuck in! Take leftovers from lunch or order a salad instead of a pie. Short on time for dinner? Make double when you do get time to cook so half goes in the freezer for next week. Stews freeze exceptionally well and just need some fresh veg added.

​Sleep- Get some! The following are well known to keep us awake so excuse the lack of references and links. Get rid of the TV in your room, keep the phones out of your room or at least don't look at them in bed. The light of the screen has the same effect on us as daylight- it wakes us up! This has no place in the bedroom! I'm very old fashioned and have a strongly held belief that the bed is for 2 things and 2 things only! One is sleep....​

Beat the winter colds and flus this season and enjoy the season!

Disclaimer: Homeopathy is a traditional medicine.The TGA considers Homeopathy a low risk medicine. It may be used in conjunction with other medicines. For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist. Information given here is in no way intended to take the place of advice from your chosen healthcare professional or specialist. Any examples given from the authors life do not indicate that the remedy in question will work for everyone in every instance. They are used solely to illustrate the use the medicine in a practical situation. Always seek medical advice in emergencies.​

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Sarah is a qualified and registered Homeopath, Nutritionist and Bowen therapist. She loves nothing more than watching the people who pass through her clinic smile with relief, take back their lives and get on with living.When she's home she parents 4 little cherubs (alongside her amazing partner in life and love) that grow up way too fast!​banner image courtesy of JK1991 FreeDigitalPhotos.net